Round 5, Pick 4 · #144 Overall
Carolina Panthers · C · Kansas State
Traded: From TEN via LAR, TEN and CHI
Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.
Big Board Rank: #84 · Day 2 Value
Sam Hecht developed into one of the Big 12's most reliable interior linemen during his four-year career at Kansas State, transforming from a raw recruit into a polished technician. The Wichita native began his career as a developmental project but steadily improved each season, culminating in an outstanding senior campaign where he anchored K-State's top-15 rushing offense. Hecht's draft stock has risen throughout the process due to his exceptional football IQ, consistent technique, and versatility to play both guard positions and center at a high level. His combination of processing speed, hand placement precision, and competitive toughness makes him an ideal fit for zone-heavy schemes, though questions about his raw power against elite interior rushers keep him from first-round consideration.
Fan voting will be available once grades are published.